We’ve completed the first full Saturday of college football. It’s refreshing to have college football back, but I’ve made a few poor picks so far. Fortunately, Sunday offers more football action, and this is the last weekend without NFL games for a while. I have picks for two games today.
Louisville vs Ole Miss
This is the standout game of the day and possibly the whole weekend. It’s the only matchup between two ranked teams, bringing plenty of excitement.
Louisville is aiming to build on a successful 9-4 season last year, concluding with a victory over Toledo in the Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl. They have added eight transfers to their starting offense. This could mean an influx of talent, but also potential confusion as they replace departing players. Their defense includes five transfers as well.
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Ole Miss, facing changes, is still under the shadow of last year’s head coach, Lane Kiffin, who has moved to LSU. Now, Pete Golding leads the team. The game is crucial for Ole Miss as they aim to move past Kiffin’s departure.
The team also saw transfers, but maintains more stability with Trinidad Chambliss, their returning quarterback. Only three offensive starters are transfers, whereas defensively, only four starters return from last year, potentially leading to early-season confusion.
This should be an entertaining game with a fresh offense up against a revamped defense. Chambliss, accompanied by a new coach, faces a defense retaining many starters. Anticipate a low-scoring affair. Go for the under at 55.5.
Wisconsin vs Notre Dame
This matchup might not be as close as Louisville vs Ole Miss, but it is intriguing. Wisconsin, no longer a powerhouse, still boasts talent. Despite a 4-8 record last season against tough opponents, they feature numerous new offensive players, including five transfers among them the quarterback, running back, and two linemen.
Notre Dame enters the season as one of the top teams. Without conference constraints, their schedule appears easy. CJ Carr returns as quarterback after a 10-2 season. Aneyas Williams takes over the backfield, having performed adequately last year.
I’m picking Wisconsin here. While Notre Dame is the stronger team, the game is at Lambeau Field in Wisconsin, likely benefiting the Badgers. Under coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame has a 3-5 record in early-season games, losing the season opener twice in his four-year tenure. I’ll take Wisconsin +20.5.
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